Self-feeding pencil



Feb. 4, 1936. T. H, MAURER 2,029,731

SELF FEEDING PENCIL Filed July l2, 1934 INVENTOR ATTOR N EY Patented Feb. 4, 1936 UNITEDr STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

This invention relates to self-feeding pencils and more particularly to pencils in which the lead may be extended from or retracted into the body of the pencil.

It is the primary object of my invention to provide a self-feeding pencil of particularly practical and economical construction by a simple and convenient mechanism of which the writing lead may be propelled or repelled from within the pencil, which adiustment may be readily effected by one hand of the writer.

A further object of my invention is to provide an adjustable pencil in which the reiilling of the lead may be accomplished by a comparatively simple operation and which pencil will permit the placement of a lead of a length substantially equal to the length of the pencil without risking the breaking of the lead.

The invention will be fully and comprehensively understood from a consideration of the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing which forms part of the application, with the understanding, however, that the improvement is capable of extended application and is not conned to the exact showing of the drawing nor to the precise construction described and, therefore, such changes and modifications may be made therein as do not atleet the spirit of the invention nor exceed the scope there- 3o of as expressed in the appended claim.

In. the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of the pencil.

Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal section; and

Fig. 3 is a cross-section on line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Referring now to the drawing for a more detailed description thereof in which like characters of reference designate corresponding parts, numeral l indicates the body or outer shell of the pencil, the upperl end of which is provided with a removable ferrule 5 which supports the eraser 6. At the writing end of the pencil and threadedly engaging with the outer shell thereof is provided a removable tip 1, the interior of which is adapted to slidably engage the lead 8 of the pencil. In the center of the outer shell l and supported thereto by spacer rings 9 is disposed a cylindrical barrel III, the lower end of which abuts the removable tip 1. Barrel I0 is provided with (Cl. 1Z0-19) a longitudinal slot II at one side of which is affixed a serrated edge I2, the notches of which are equally spaced. It is to be observed that to effect an economy of manufacture edge I2 may be constructed integral with the barrel I0 by 5 forming same of the material extruded from slot II. A lead gripping sleeve I3, the upper end of which is closed, is provided at its lower end with a series of longitudinal slots Il thus providing tongs by which the pencil lead 8 may be securely 1o engaged. The sleeve I3 is slidabiy mounted within barrel I0 and has amxed at its side extending radially therefrom an oblong shank I5 which projects thru the slot II and a similar longitudinal slot I6 formed in the outer shell 4. The slots 15 I I and I6 are opposed to, or in registry with, each other. The outer end of shank l5 is provided with a pusher button I1 which may4 be readily engaged by the thumb of the writer to set the pencil lead 8 to any desired adjustment. The 20 shank I5 further carries a leaf spring I8 extending therefrom longitudinally of the pencil, which spring is provided at its free end with a V formation adapted to engage in a notch of the serrated edge I2. By this simple mechanism the lead I 25 is adjustably held in any desired position.

It may be observed that the arrangement illustrated provides adequately for the replacement of a full length of lead, which lead is prevented from breaking by the partial support aiiorded by the 3o barrel I0. The tip 1 is made removable to facilitate the replacement of the lead.

What is claimed as new is:

' A pencilcomprising an outer shell or casing. a barrel within said casing for containing a writ- 35 ing lead, said casing and said barrel having registering slots lengthwise thereof, a cap adapted to be placed over the top of the writing lead and having, at its lower end. prongs adapted to grip the lead, a lug secured tothe cap and extending 40 thru said slots for manipulation of the lead, said barrel having an outwardly extending serrated ange within said casing, said flange being formed from the material punched to form the last mentioned slot, and a leaf spring secured to 45 said lug and having a v-shaped portion adapted for engagement with the serrations of said ange.

THEODORE H. MAURER. 

